Tag Archives: Golf R

NEWS

Volkswagen Golf R Mk8.5 arrives with 333 PS and ChatGPT

91 Comments

VOLKSWAGEN has introduced the Golf R facelift, which not only comes with a fresher design and the latest features but also a more powerful engine.

As with the pre-facelift model, the Golf R Mk8.5 is available in both the five-door hatchback and estate (known as the Golf R Variant) guises.

At first glance, it may appear similar to the Mk8 Golf R, but the facelifted version has a fresher front fascia made up of new LED Plus headlights, larger intakes on the bumper, and illuminated LED strips and VW logo.

Customers can now opt for the available 19-inch Warmenau wheels, which the automaker claims weigh only 8 kg each and have a more efficient design for brake cooling.

Inside, you will find a 12.9-inch touchscreen display (the largest offered by Volkswagen to date) with improved operation and a 10.2-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster with a new Sport Skin display mode.

The infotainment system now includes the voice assistant IDA, which accesses the AI-based software ChatGPT to answer questions. The responsiveness of the steering wheel touch panels has been optimised, the brand said.

Customers looking to spruce up cabin can do so by ticking the box for the Nappa leather upholstery and rear carbon fibre trim.

Like before, the Golf R Mk8.5 is powered by the EA888 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, but this time the output has been bumped up from 320 PS to 333 PS, making it the most powerful Golf ever produced.

The engine is paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission tasked with delivering power to the wheels through the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system with R-Performance Torque Vectoring.

Although torque remains at 420 Nm, the 0-100 km/h acceleration time has been cut short by 0.2 seconds to just 4.6 seconds. Needless to say, the maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

However, the figure can be increased to 270 km/h if equipped with the optional R-Performance package.

Said package also adds two more driving modes, namely Drift and Special. The former needs no explanation, while the latter is specifically adapted to the conditions on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

Not stopping there, Volkswagen also throws in a GPS lap timer and G-meter – both of which are displayed in the Digital Cockpit Pro.

NEWS

CKD Volkswagen Golf R officially on sale at RM334k

3 Comments

VOLKSWAGEN Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced the official sale of the locally assembled Golf R, at the recommended retail price of RM334,012 on-the-road without insurance.

The price is inclusive of Volkswagen Assurance Package (VAP), which supports owners with a five-year maintenance, five-year unlimited mileage warranty, and five-year roadside assistance.

The Golf R comes standard with the R Performance Package, which includes a titanium Akrapovič exhaust, 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels, a new rear spoiler, as well as Drift and Special modes.

The Drift and Special modes – accessible through the R button on the steering wheel, extend the range of customisation modes for the drivetrain and chassis to inject even more excitement to the driving experience.

In Drift mode, torque is prioritised to the rear wheels for fluid and controlled slides. The Special mode, which is specifically designed for the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, adjusts suspension settings for optimum contact.

Powering the Golf R is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged TSI engine pushing out 320 PS and 400 Nm of torque. With a seven-speed wet-type, dual-clutch DSG transmission, the Golf R rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds to reach a maximum speed of 250 km/h.

Stability and traction is maintained via its 4Motion all-wheel drive system with performance torque vectoring.

Visually, the flagship model of the Golf range is identified by its motorsport-inspired R front bumper and R radiator grille. Three colour choices are available – the signature Lapiz Blue, Deep Black and Pure White.

Inside, there’s R decorative trim in Carbon Grey, premium Nappa sport leather seats, as well as the R performance steering wheel with blue backlit R button and shift paddles.

Other new features include a head-up display, 10-inch Discover Pro infotainment system, a 10-speaker, 480-watt Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging and automatic high beam assist.

The Golf R is supported with IQ.Drive, which comprises Travel Assist with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Side Assist, Front Assist, Lane Assist and Emergency Assist.